IELTS Writing: how to reach Band 7
A practical breakdown of the IELTS Writing marking criteria with structures, timing and phrases for Task 1 and Task 2 — the section where most candidates lose the marks that keep them under Band 7.
Writing is the section where many strong candidates get stuck. People who speak English well are often surprised to score 6.0 or 6.5 in Writing while hitting 7 elsewhere. The reason is simple: IELTS Writing is marked against four specific criteria, and you have to deliberately satisfy all of them — not just write 'good English'.
This guide explains those four criteria, then gives you reliable structures and timing for Task 1 and Task 2 so you stop guessing and start writing to the mark scheme. It applies mainly to Academic Writing, but the Task 2 advice is identical for General Training, and the letter advice covers General Task 1.
Remember the time split: in the 60-minute Writing test, spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and about 40 on Task 2, because Task 2 is worth roughly twice the marks of Task 1.
Know the four marking criteria
Both tasks are marked on the same four criteria, each worth 25% of that task's score. If you ignore even one, you cap your band. Most candidates lose marks on Coherence (poor paragraphing/linking) and on the task-response details rather than on grammar.
Read these and notice that two of the four are about organisation and answering the question — not vocabulary or grammar at all.
- Task Achievement / Task Response — did you fully answer every part of the question with relevant, developed ideas?
- Coherence and Cohesion — clear paragraphs, logical order and natural linking words
- Lexical Resource — range and accuracy of vocabulary, used naturally (not memorised 'big words')
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy — a mix of sentence structures with few errors
Task 2 essay: a structure that works every time
Task 2 is a 250-word (minimum) essay responding to an opinion, discussion, problem-solution or two-part question. A clear four-paragraph structure satisfies the coherence criterion and frees your brain to focus on ideas and language.
Plan for 5 minutes before you write. Decide your position and your two main points first — this prevents the rambling that wrecks coherence.
- Introduction: paraphrase the question, then state your clear position/thesis (2–3 sentences)
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained, then supported with a specific example
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea, explained and supported the same way
- Conclusion: restate your position and summarise your two points (do not add new ideas)
Answer the exact question — fully
The single most common Band-6 trap is not fully answering the question. If the prompt asks 'to what extent do you agree?', you must give a clear degree of agreement and hold it consistently. If it is a two-part question, both parts need a developed answer. If it says 'discuss both views and give your opinion', you must do all three.
Underline the task words before you plan. A brilliantly written essay that answers a slightly different question will still be capped on Task Response. Stay on topic, develop your ideas with reasons and examples, and write enough — under-length essays are penalised.
Academic Task 1: describing data
Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, graph, table, map or process in at least 150 words — and crucially, to report, not to give opinions. The examiner wants an accurate overview plus key details and comparisons.
Use this reliable structure and you cover Task Achievement cleanly.
- Sentence 1: paraphrase what the visual shows (do not copy the prompt word-for-word)
- Overview (1–2 sentences): the biggest trends or most striking features overall — this is essential for Band 7
- Detail paragraph 1: describe and compare a group of the key figures with accurate data
- Detail paragraph 2: the remaining key figures and comparisons
- Use varied data language: rose, fell, peaked, plateaued, doubled, the highest, in contrast
General Task 1: writing a letter
In General Training, Task 1 is a letter of at least 150 words — formal, semi-formal or informal depending on who you are writing to. Match the tone to the reader: 'Dear Sir or Madam' and a formal sign-off for a company; a first name and friendly tone for a friend.
Cover all three bullet points in the prompt — each is part of the task and missing one costs you Task Achievement marks. Keep paragraphs short and purposeful, and close with an appropriate sign-off ('Yours faithfully' when you do not know the name, 'Yours sincerely' when you do).
Boost Coherence, Lexis and Grammar without sounding fake
For Band 7 you need range used naturally. Examiners can spot memorised phrases and over-stuffed linking words, and these actually lower your score. Aim for variety that flows.
- Use a few precise topic-specific words rather than many forced 'academic' ones
- Vary linkers: not every sentence needs 'Moreover' — use 'This means', 'As a result', 'However', 'For instance'
- Mix sentence types: combine short sentences with longer ones using relative clauses and conditionals
- Proofread the last 2–3 minutes for articles (a/an/the), subject-verb agreement and plurals — small, frequent errors drag the grammar band down
- Practise writing to time; the test rewards finishing both tasks fully over polishing one
Key takeaways
- ✓Writing is marked on four equal criteria — two are about organisation and answering the question, not vocabulary.
- ✓Split the hour 20/40 because Task 2 carries about twice the marks of Task 1.
- ✓Use a clear four-paragraph essay structure and answer the exact question fully and consistently.
- ✓Academic Task 1 must include a clear overview of the main trends — leaving it out caps your band.
- ✓General Task 1 letters must match the right tone and cover all three bullet points.
- ✓Aim for natural range, not memorised 'big words' or over-used linkers, and always proofread for small errors.
IELTS Writing — FAQ
Why is my IELTS Writing stuck at 6.5?+
Usually because of Task Response and Coherence rather than grammar — not fully answering the question, weak paragraphing, or missing the Task 1 overview. Review your essays against all four criteria, not just for grammar mistakes.
How many words should I write?+
Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250. Going slightly over is fine and often necessary, but very short answers are penalised, so always meet the minimum with developed content.
Do memorised templates help?+
A flexible structure helps, but fully memorised template phrases hurt. Examiners are trained to spot them and they reduce your Lexical Resource and Task Response scores. Learn the structure, then write your own words around the specific question.
Is spelling important in IELTS Writing?+
Yes. Spelling and word-formation errors count against Lexical Resource, and consistent mistakes lower your band. Spend your final minutes proofreading, and be careful with British vs American spelling — either is accepted, but be consistent.
Sources & data note
These guides explain widely-accepted SEO, AEO and GEO practice as documented by Google Search Central, schema.org and current industry research. Search and AI systems evolve continually — treat specific thresholds (e.g. Core Web Vitals targets) as current guidance and verify against the latest official documentation. Examples are tailored to Nepal's market.